Some Things Never Change

Pete and his buddies are getting ready to go to the airport so they can start their Winter vacation

Chapter I

Some Things Never Change

December 18^th 1981. Hanover, New Hampshire

 

Pete Reed quickly put on his blue jeans. He was trying to be ready before his friends arrived to go to the airport. Winter vacation had begun and the group was flying to Colorado for some skiing fun. Pete had wondered why they didn’t just stay in New Hampshire but his friends wanted to get away from the state as they had lived there for most of their lives. Pete pushed his shaggy dark brown hair out of his face and looked at himself in the mirror. Light blue polo, blue jeans and white sneakers.

“Dressed to kill.” Pete smiled.

With his bags packed and in the living room, Pete grabbed his wallet from the top of the drawer his mirror was over and left his bedroom. He grabbed his two suitcases and brought them outside the door and locked his room. He had no roommate in his dorm and he was pretty happy about that, although, he found it hard to hang with the group since they all lived in different halls. Pete picked his suitcases back up and hurried down the stairs which were to the right of his room. Three flights down and he was out the door and to the entrance of his hall. He waved goodbye to some pals and walked outside.

The sky was clear and it was about 75 degrees out. Pete preferred the cold to the hot but that was his preference. Seeing a bench just a few feet away, Pete walked over and sat down. He looked at his watch. It was 7:46. The plane left at 8:45.

“Good timing.” Pete nodded as he saw a green Volkswagen bus drive over from the left.

The bus stopped and out stepped Alan Thompson and Marty Anderson from the bus.

Alan had very dark brown hair that was in a bouffant style. He was a flirty type of guy but he had a girlfriend who he was fully committed to. Pete is Alan’s best friend and also sees him as creative and brilliant but was dependent on others for things like cash. He was wearing a grey V-neck, blue jeans and white converse.

Marty had medium brown hair that was feathered. He was a motivated and courageous guy but his main reason for motivation was due to the fact that he had 8 siblings, 5 sisters and 3 brothers. He was the third one born and the first boy. He wishes he had better luck with girls though. He was wearing a red t-shirt, dark blue jeans and black boots.

“How are ya Pete?” Alan asked while slapping Pete’s hand.

“Tired but I’m doing well, how bout you guys?”

“I’m great!” Alan grinned.

“I’m tired also.” Marty said. “I couldn’t get any sleep cause I’m so psyched!”

“Same here.” Pete high fived Marty.

“Put the bags in, we still need to pick up the others.”  Alan said as he walked over to the driver’s seat.

Pete and Marty put the bags in the back of the bus before Marty entered the passenger’s seat.

This vacation is gonna rock. Pete thought before he opened the door and got in. He closed the door and slid to the left of the bus as Alan drove off.

“Whose next to pick up?” Pete asked.

“Shauna and Valerie.” Marty said.

 “You and Shauna have been together for two years, right?” Pete asked Alan.

“Yep, everything is riding smoothly.” Alan smiled happily.

“That’s good.” Pete said.

Alan made a quick right turn and stopped in front of Gile Hall where Shauna and Valerie were waiting.

Shauna had dark brown hair that went down to her shoulders. She was optimistic about most things but wanted things to go her way most of the time. She was wearing a baggy grey t-shirt, black pants and grey Nike’s.

Valerie had dirty blonde hair that was fluffy and went down to her shoulders. She was very outgoing and friendly. She was wearing a white shirt with purple flowers on it, blue skirt and white shoes.

“Hey guys!” Shauna called as Alan hopped out of the bus.

“Hey babe.” Alan and Shauna wrapped their arms around each other as they started kissing.

Pete got out of the bus and grabbed one of Valerie’s suitcases.

“Thanks.’ Valerie smiled shyly at Pete.

“No problem.” Pete smiled as he opened the trunk.

“Hey lovebirds!” Marty called to Alan and Shauna. “Put the bags in the trunk, we need to pick up Zach before we go to the airport.”

“Okay, okay.” Alan removed himself from Shauna and picked up her bags.

Pete and Valerie got into the bus again. Pete on the left and Valerie in the middle. Shauna then came in and sat next to Valerie as Alan got back into the driver’s seat.  

“I see no one brought their snowboards.” Marty said as he looked back.

“You do know we can rent them at the lodge, right?” Pete cocked an eyebrow.

Marty hesitated. “I’ll just leave mine in the bus; I don’t wanna feel like the odd one out.”

“No worries man.” Alan smiled. “It’s alright.”

Alan stopped in front of Fayerweather Hall where Zach was listening to his Walkman.

Zach had medium brown hair that was slicked up. He was a slacker who, as Pete put it, had a doctorate in sarcasm. He was wearing a yellow V-neck, dark blue jeans and black boots.

“Trunk’s open!” Marty called from his open window.

Zach quickly threw his bags into the trunk and climbed in before closing the trunk. He then took a seat in the back.

“We ready?” Zach asked.

“Yep, Lebanon Airport here we go!” Alan drove off to get out of the college.

The first 5 minutes of driving were silent. Alan was paying attention to the road, Marty was spacing out, Shauna was relaxing, Valerie wasn’t doing anything and Zach was still listening to music. Pete was looking out the window, knowing he was gonna have a good time.

“35 minutes to go.” Alan said. “This is exciting, first time I’ll ever be out of New Hampshire.”

“Well, what are we gonna do when we get to Winter Park?” Pete asked.

“I’m gonna rest up.” Marty said.

“Yeah, settling in would be best, besides we’re gonna have to get lunch a bit after we arrive.” Valerie said.

“What does our lodge look like?” Zach asked after removing his headphones.

“2 stories, a huge living room with a TV and 2 leather couches, 4 bedrooms-.”

“4 only?” Valerie asked.

“Yeah.” Marty started. “One king size for Alan and Shauna, a single for me, a single for Zach and, oh, Pete and you might have to share a room.”

“Don’t worry, they’re bunks.” Alan chuckled.

“It’s no problem.” Valerie said quietly.

“Yeah, it’ll be fine.” Pete smiled.

“Anyways, I’m planning on finding love.” Marty looked up proudly.

“Love?” Zach couldn’t help but smirk. “Marty, we’re only gonna be gone for a week and your finding love?”

“Chill man, I have little luck with girls due to my awkwardness.”

“You’re not awkward.” Shauna ruffled Marty’s hair.

“Yeah I am. All my relationships haven’t lasted too long.”

“Look, there probably will be an awkward girl whose looking for the one and you might be the catch of the day.” Alan said.

Marty lifted his eyebrows.

“Yes, no traffic, we could probably make it in 15 if I time correctly.” Alan drummed his steering wheel.

“I hope the airport isn’t too crowded.” Valerie said. “I hate crowds.”

“Same here.” Marty said.

“Well, it is a Friday, but it’s early, I think the other college kids are leaving just a bit later, if we’re lucky.” Alan said.

“Time passing time.” Zach said. “Turn up the radio.”

Marty turned it on. Going Under by Devo was playing. The group just relaxed the rest of the way as Alan drove. 17 minutes later, they arrived at the airport.

“Gotta park it in the garage.” Alan said as he drove towards it.

Alan parked it on the second row. He and the rest of the group got out of the bus and got their luggage.

“Hurry, it’s 8:22.” Alan said as they got to the elevators.

After getting out of the elevators, the group went quickly to the front of the Southwest section.

“Good morning.” Alan said to the clerk.

She was probably in her 60s and was short and stocky with grey hair.

“Hello, are all of the bags going under?”

“Yes ma’am.” Alan smiled.

“Okay, I’ll handle them, have a nice day.”

“Um thanks.” Alan said as the group quickly went inside.

“That was fast.” Alan said surprised.

“I agree but we gotta hurry.” Zach said.

“Why?” Shauna said. “There’s practically no one here.”

“Either way, I just wanna get pass the whole take of shoes and belt section.”

The group rushed to that section and hurriedly took their shoes and belts off, and also took their personal belongings out of their pockets and into a bucket.

“You guys are moving quickly.” The guard said.

“Plane leaves soon.” Zach said as he walked through the x-ray machine.

The group quickly went through the machine and got their stuff back before practically running to their gate, 44.

“Made it.” Alan said as he sat down on a chair.

“What rows are we in?” Pete asked.

“12, 3 on one side, 3 on the other.” Alan put his arm around Shauna.

“Small crowd.” Marty looked around.

“Hey don’t jinx the stuff man.” Zach put his head on his fist. “I don’t like crowds.”

“It’s a plane, what did you expect?” Alan asked.

“Yeah, did you think we were using a jet?” Shauna smirked.

Zach groaned and the rest laughed. Alan went up to talk to the woman at the front desk.

“Time?” Pete asked.

“8:30, we should be boarding in 2 minutes.” Marty smiled. “I’m anxious I tell you, anxious!”

“Relax Marty.” Zach chuckled as he put his hand on Marty’s shoulder. “We’re all excited, just don’t have a spaz attack which leads to airport security taking us away.”

“Ha-ha, funny Zacho.” Marty smiled and shook his head.

“Now boarding first class.” The woman at the desk said.

“What time do we get there?” Valerie asked.

“5 hours at the max maybe?” Alan shrugged.

“What’s entertaining on a 5 hour ride?” Zach said.

“Chatting.” Marty smirked.

Zach shook his head while the others laughed.

“Now boarding seats 1-10.”

“”So close to the plane.” Marty’s legs started shaking.

“Ay gevalt.” Pete shook his head. “Marty, it’s just the plane. Besides, what do we do when we get to Denver International?”

“We get our bags and take a bus to the lodge.” Alan replied.

“What if we wanna get food though?” Zach asked.

“Do you know anything about ski resort Zach?” Shauna asked unamused. “You better not screw everything up with you lack of knowledge.”

“Shauna, ease up.” Alan put his hands on her shoulder. “Now Zach, you should know that they have restaurants, movie theaters, live performances and other stuff at the lodge, there’s absolutely no need to leave.”

“Oh.” Zach said.

Valerie shook her head in disbelief as Alan chuckled.

“Seats 11-19.”

“And we are here to go.” Pete smiled as he and the rest of the group stood up from their seats and walked to the front.

“Tickets.” The checking lady said.

The group handed her their tickets and got their stubs back to which they proceeded through the walkway.

“Oh gosh.” Alan held his breath. “What the hell is with the smell?!”

“Welcome to notorious airplane fumes babe.” Shauna smiled.

The group walked into the plane where they were greeted by the stewardess’.

“Hello.” They said smiling.

“Hi.” Alan said casually.

“Hello.” Shauna said in a friendly tone.

“Hi there.” Pete said politely.

“H-hi.” Marty said nervously and grinning.

“Hi, nice to meet you.” Valerie smiled.

“Well helllllo there.” Zach grinned.

The group got to row 12. Shauna sat at the window seat of the left row with Alan in the middle and Valerie to the left of him. Pete got the window seat of the right row with Marty in the middle and Zach to his right.

“Zach, word of advice, don’t creep out the stewardess’.” “Pete chuckled.

“Funny, I wasn’t scaring anyone.” Zach smirked and put his seatbelt on.

“I can’t wait.” Marty said happily.

“For Pete’s sake, calm down man.” Zach started laughing.

“Yes, for my sake man the flight is only gonna be 5 hours.” Pete said.

“But we need to rest at the lodge before we go out.”

“Dude just go, we’ll all stay behind but if your that excited about the girls then you can go out.” Zach said.

Marty thought for a moment. “As bad as this sounds, I’,m staying back with all you guys. I’d rather share the experience with my buddies than just go exploring around while you guys are sleeping.

“Yeah, unless we catch some z’s on the plane.” Pete said.

With those words, Marty closed his eyes.

Pete and Zach highfived while chuckling.

“Attention passengers, a little 5 minute delay is occurring but do not fret, we will still make schedule.” The pilot said.

“Ah man.” Alan rested his head on Shauna’s shoulder.

“Well, nothing better to do other than read the safety booklet.” Zach shrugged and started reading.

As for Pete, he looked out the window daydreaming. He was ready for the best vacation with all of his best friends and he was excited. Not Marty type excited but still very excited. What he did not want to admit was that he, like Marty, was anxious to find a girl. Although many of the girls at his college and even high school generally thought of him as one of the handsomest guys in the whole school, Pete just couldn’t keep a stable relationship. He wasn’t awkward like Marty, nor goofy like Zach but he just never found the right girl like Alan had with Shauna. He was considered Valerie but he they were really close friends and Pete thought that he probably couldn’t get any further than the plain old friend zone with her. He leaned forward and looked at Valerie. She was sitting patiently and turned to her left where she saw Pete. She smiled and waved at him. He waved back and then leaned back.

Maybe, just maybe. Pete thought.

“Attention passengers, we are ready to fly.”

“Yes.” Pete, Zach and Alan said in unison.

The plane slowly approached the runway and starting going forward. 45 seconds later the plane went faster and went into the air.

5 hours until landing. Pete smiled and laid back. 

Reviews

[Steven Cash]

This is really good. How many chapters to you have up/planning to have up?

[Alex Hunter]

Thank you Steven, I plan on maybe 18, maybe 20 chapters. Their winter break is almost a week long and a bunch of stuff happens. This is the only chapter of Overdrive up but the second chapter will be up later today hopefully

[Steven Cash]

That's good. Just message me when it's up.

[Alex Hunter]

Will do, thanks again :)

[LuciaMarie]

This was really good, and it left me wanting more of it to read. the descriptions made it easy for me to follow an easy for me to visualize and play it out like a movie in my mind as I read.

[Alex Hunter]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it. More will be coming soon. And I like that you were able to envision it in your mind, that's how I like my stories to play out :)

[Androglossia]

I like the descriptive nature of the story, it made my visualization easy. Its simplicity made it easy to follow. Though it is short it creates an impression. The plot is good so far and very well structured. Good job on this one.

[Alex Hunter]

Thank you, I'm glad you liked it :) more is coming soon so stay tuned

[Androglossia]

I look forward to reading more.. You're very welcome!

[Call_Me_Miss_Imperfect]

I love this and I'm looking forward in reading more of it! Please keep me updated on your chapters :D


Ashley Rivers-- Dream BIG and you'll win BIG:)

[Alex Hunter]

Thank you very much :). More will be coming soon

[Call_Me_Miss_Imperfect]

You're very welcome, and I'm glad to hear :)